書類送検

• Reading: しょるいそうけん
• Romaji: shorui sōken
• Kanji breakdown: 書 (sho) — writing; 類 (rui) — category, documents; 送 (sō) — send; 検 (ken) — inspect, prosecution
• Pronunciation: /ɕo.ɾɯ.i.soː.ke.ɴ/

Meaning

Referral to prosecutors without arrest; submitting case documents to the public prosecutor's office without detaining the suspect.

A legal procedure specific to the Japanese criminal justice system in which police send case documents to a prosecutor without physically arresting the suspect. It is used for minor offences or cases where arrest is deemed unnecessary. The prosecutor then decides whether to indict (起訴する) or not. Book-only cases are commonly reported in the media for traffic violations, minor fraud, or public nuisance offences.

Examples

1. 悪質なクレームを繰り返した男性が威力業務妨害の疑いで書類送検された。 A man who repeatedly made malicious complaints was referred to prosecutors on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business.
2. 書類送検は身体拘束を伴わないが、前科がつく可能性がある。 A referral to prosecutors does not involve physical detention, but it can still result in a criminal record.
3. 著名な芸能人が脱税の疑いで書類送検されたとニュースで報じられた。 It was reported in the news that a well-known celebrity was referred to prosecutors on suspicion of tax evasion.

Usage Guide

Context: criminal law, journalism, police procedure, courts

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 書類 (shorui) meaning 'documents,' 送 (sō) meaning 'to send,' and 検 short for 検察 (kensatsu, prosecution). A procedural term specific to Japanese law.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: All classes